Tottenham should turn blind eye on 21-year-old potential transfer target

Sky Sports is reporting of Tottenham’s interest in signing 21-year-old Djed Spence, who is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest. 

The rumour has only just surfaced, and it originated from Sky Sports, a publication with a questionable history when it comes to transfer speculation. But Tottenham are in dire need of a wingback, so there is a slim possibility there is some truth in the recent rumour.

Spence is a Middlesbrough player on loan at Forest. However, he’s a relatively unknown quantity and would not be ready to come directly into Spurs starting 11. If he did, he wouldn’t offer Tottenham the stable, accomplished finished article Antonio Conte desperately needs.

Spence’s current market value is only pegged, via Transfermarkt.com, at just over £2 million. He’s made 19 appearances this season for the Championship side. While the prospective deal might make sense in the long-term, this rumour makes no immediate sense and smells of desperation.

Again, Spurs need to focus squarely on the now, which includes players who are ready to hit the ground running. Adama Traore garners split opinions but is experienced and good enough to impact first-team proceedings at Spurs. Spence is decidedly not ready. He needs bundles more time to develop. Time Spurs do not have, unless they intend on signing Traore along with Spence.

Arsenal and Leeds are also purportedly interested in signing Spence. They can have him in my candid opinion, as Tottenham can ill-afford to be tempting fate with another young, unproven player who’s years away from reaching his full potential.